June 26, 2023
Dear Grandchildren:
Wow! What a weekend! I can’t believe the outpouring of honor, love, and respect for your grandmother and me. In this letter, I want to share some of my feelings of how we were touched by our 60th anniversary celebration.
First, it all started a year ago when our six kids said they wanted to honor us with a celebration, and boy did they. We thank you, sweet children, with all our hearts.
Since we had a date in June, I asked Sarah Soon if she could have my book ready to hand out. And you already know the results, and it was amazing. Thank you, Sarah.
Then we sat with Sarah Ann, and we couldn’t have imagined what she came up with. It was over the top of anything we expected. That’s why the bride’s love her because she always exceeds their expectations. Thank you, Sarah.
The only downer was that Tom, Michael, Larry, and Chris missed the weekend because they had planned a golfing trip to Scotland. We did FaceTime with them on Saturday. Also, Ryley and Devin couldn’t make it since they attended a wedding on the weekend.
Friday evening was a great family get together to launch the weekend and the weather, food, and fellowship was amazing.
Then on Saturday afternoon, activities started at 2:30 as we gathered the family to shoot photos and video. Sabrina, Aaron, Jada, and Kaleb did an excellent job with capturing pictures. The results were nothing short of perfect.
The ceremony was amazing with the families walking down the aisle together. Wow! You took my breath away. Then Mike and your great-grandmother came down the aisle- it was so special.
Pastor Price gave a short message that related to our transformation back in 1971 to Jesus Christ. We could really relate. Then Grandma shared her thoughts and explained how our journey together began.
Grandma sharing:
Sixty-four years ago in the fall, as I walked down a set of farmhouse stairs, I saw you for the first time. That smile that went from your mouth to your eyes captivated me. I didn’t see you again until the following March, but the rest is history!
We wrote all those letters-seven a week from me and five a week from you for two-and-a-half years. When I followed you to college, we wondered if we’d even get along. Guess we did!
Only God could’ve kept us together through our dating years. He watched over us even before we knew him. He has seen us through our good times as well as the sad and bad times. And because of him, we are here today.
God knew who the other half of me would be. Someone that would help me be a better person. You continue to help me be all I can be. God knew what I needed, and it was you.
You have turned into a godly man. You are an amazing husband and a godly role model for our children and our grandchildren. We told our kids years ago to marry your best friend, and I did. Even when I get upset with you, I remind myself: who would put up with me like you do? I love you!
Grandpa sharing again:
After the ceremony, we went to the barn to enjoy food, music, and fellowship. The music was very special lead by my brother-in-law, Dave Crawford, and my sister Carol Ann with Jim and Steve adding their support. The ladies song was very professional and Grandma’s song to me was very touching.
When I reflect over the celebration’s six hours, we felt so much love and honor from our family and our guests. Then later, we opened our sixty cards and felt love and respect from everyone again. It was as if we were in heaven with everyone’s outpouring of love, support, and encouragement.
So, there you have it-all my impressions of a wonderful celebration we will never forget.
Always remember how much I love you,
Grandpa